Could Columbus be the next home of this popular seafood restaurant? CEO says yes

An oyster restaurant is eyeing Columbus as its next catch.

Shuckin’ Shack, an oyster bar chain based in from Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is developing plans to come to Columbus. But no location had been confirmed as of Thursday.

Jonathan Weathington, CEO of the Shuckin’ Shack, told the Ledger-Enquirer that Columbus is among five other cities they are scouting for a new location.

“I think Columbus mirrors a lot of the current cities that we’re already in,” Weathington said. “You got long-termers. There are good single-family homes. It’s a stable place. We love going into cities like that.”

Shuckin’ Shack has 17 locations across six different states. A Columbus location would be the third Shuckin’ Shack in Georgia, with the other locations being in Cumming and Alpharetta.

Weathington says they are currently looking for a franchisee to invest in a Columbus location.

“What we’re looking for is someone who is involved in their community,” Weathington said. “Someone preferably who will be local to Columbus or familiar with the market. Whether they have a hospitality background or not, they have to be outgoing.”

The cost to open a Shuckin’ Shack franchise ranges anywhere from $471,750 to $1.4 million, according to the company’s website. Interested franchise owners can visit theshuckinshack.com for more information.